Endocarditis occurs when the endocardium, which lines the insides of the heart's chambers and valves gets infected, typically by bacteria or fungi. If endocarditis is not treated, the heart valves could get damaged or destroyed and can be fatal.
Causes
- Poor dental hygiene e.g., improper or inadequate tooth brushing and flossing
- Long-term catheterisation
- Use of contaminated needles
Signs and symptoms
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Fever and chills
- Night sweats
- Muscle and joint aches
- Pain in the chest when breathing
- Swelling in the legs, feet or abdomen
- A new or altered heart murmur
- Sore, scratchy throat or pain when swallowing
- Skin rashes
- Cuts or wounds that do not heal
Risk factors
- Older age
- Congenital heart defects
- Poor dental hygiene
- Prosthetic (artificial) heart valves
- Damage to heart valves (caused by rheumatic fever or infections)
- Implanted heart device (e.g., pacemaker)
- Previous endocarditis
- Previous use of contaminated IV needles
- Prolonged catheter use
Diagnosis
- Evaluation of infection symptoms
- Echocardiogram
- Blood cultures
Treatment options
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics
- Surgery to restore heart valve damage and improve cardiac function
Prevention
- Seek immediate medical help if you experience any symptoms
- Maintain proper oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing of teeth as well as frequent dental check-ups
- Avoid using illegal intravenous drugs
- Take preventive antibiotics prior to a medical or dental surgery if you have a high risk of developing endocarditis
Visit your nearest Gleneagles Hospital to learn more about our Cardiology Services
References
- Endocarditis. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endocarditis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352576 [Accessed on 10 May 2022]
- Endocarditis. Available at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16957-endocarditis [Accessed on 10 May 2022]
